Justin Paperny, the author of Lessons From Prison, was confined with me at Taft Camp for about one year. While he was here we developed a friendship and I had the opportunity to work with him as he made preparations for release. He participated in a class that I taught, and after listening to the message I presented, made a commitment to use his experience as a teaching tool to help others make decisions that will enhance their lives. He told his story through his book and, although I provided him with some suggestions while he was writing it, I decided to read the book in its entirety for the first time because of news I’ve received describing how helpful others found Justin’s book.

Throughout the course of my lengthy imprisonment, I’ve taught courses with thousands of participants. My message always focuses on steps we can take to overcome adversity and to prepare for law abiding, successful lives upon release. From reading Justin’s book, I see that he really embraced this message, incorporating it into his life and expanding upon it in a way that far exceeds anyone else who has participated in my classes. By reading Justin’s book, I learned more about the pressures that influence people who come from privileged backgrounds, study in top universities, and lead distinguished, professional careers. Justin spoke honestly about his background and the decisions that led him into troubles with the criminal justice system. He called it “the fraud triangle,” saying that when an individual feels pressure of some sort, has a position that allows him to cheat, and can rationalize his act, he becomes susceptible to fraud. It’s a struggle that many white-collar offenders describe, but Justin articulates it well in his book. More importantly, he shows how an individual can redeem himself and work toward leading a more responsible, contributing life.

Justin’s book and the descriptions he provides will give me a tangible product I can use to show others that with discipline, we can triumph over adversity. Although Justin doesn’t like to acknowledge the adversity he conquered, I’ve seen one-year prison terms drive weaker men to the brink of suicide. I admire Justin’s strength, his discipline, and willingness to work toward something better. He’s an excellent example I can use to show others that those who work can emerge stronger from adversity.

Book by Michael

In his newest book, Inside: Life Behind Bars in America, Michael Santos shows readers what it's like to live in America's jails and prisons. Using the voice of the penitentiary, he graphically describes a system infested with gangs, drugs, beatings, shanks, and extortion. From meth-crazed prisoners raping the weak, to female guards who prostitute themselves with the help of gang leaders, and murders in protective custody, Santos brings readers as close as they'll ever want to come to confinement.

It is not the sugarcoated version of "corrections" and "rehabilitation" that administrators want taxpayers to swallow. This book describes a $60 billion industry designed with policies and infrastructure that perpetuate failure.

Santos succeeds in introducing readers to the characters, values, and growing subculture festering inside America's prison system. With the soaring costs of keeping more than two million prisoners inside, this hard-hitting book is timely for all nonfiction readers.